Joseph Okies

Joseph Okies went to be with the Lord on Monday, January 8, 2007, at the age of 96. He was born in Zahle, Lebanon, on November 16, 1910, later becoming a naturalized citizen of the United States. His family emigrated to the United States via Mexico, when he was one year old. He earned his Eagle Scout award while in school in El Paso. Later, he attended the University of Texas at Austin, graduating Summa Cum Laude in 1932 with a degree in pharmacy. He returned to El Paso where, with his brother, he established the Payless Drugstore. During World War II he founded a pharmacy purchasing co-op to help the pharmacists in the area. He also established the El Paso Pharmaceutical Association. He has served his profession in many capacities, and has been honored numerous times as pharmacist of the year, including Retired Pharmacist of the Year. He is survived by his wife, Oveta Okies; children, Eddie(Meg) Okies, Teena (Dave) Doka; grandchildren Joe (Lisa) Okies, Leigh Okies, Matthew Doka, Jeffrey Doka; nephew Stan (Bonnie)Okies, nieces, Claire Sipes, and Brenda Rogers. Visitation will be held from 6 pm to 8 pm, Friday, January 12, 2007 at Sunset Funeral Home-West. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 am, Saturday, January 13, 2007 at Sunset Funeral Home-West with Pastor Ricky Pearson Officiating. Interment will follow at Evergreen Alameda Cemetery. Services entrusted to Sunset Funeral Home-West. Please visit our online register book at www.sunsetfuneralhomes.net.